ES2333698T3 - DEVICE INTERFACES TO INTERCONNECT OR NETWORK A COMPUTER AND AN EMBEDDED DEVICE. - Google Patents

Abstract

A communication system for use in a network computer system (10) that includes a client computer (22), a host computer (12) and a remote computer (14), the remote computer being used to access a device (16), the system being implemented on the host computer (12) and allowing a user of the client computer to access services on the remote computer (14) through the host computer (12), and comprising the system: a communications module (42) for transferring data to and from a communications port (40) of the host computer; a data interface module (66) for accessing an interface definition from a storage device (62, 68) in electronic communication with the host computer, the storage device containing a plurality of interface definitions (60) indexed by interface definition identifiers (64), in which access is achieved through the use of an interface definition identifier; a device access controller (46) for communicating with the remote computer through the communications module, the device access controller operating to obtain the interface definition identifier from the computer program loaded on the remote computer , the device access controller operating to access the storage device through the data interface module using the device access controller the interface definition identifier to access the interface definition; and a device access server (50) for servicing requests from the client's computer (22) for services of the remote computer (14), wherein the device access controller is intended to have a plurality of identifiers of interface definition from the computer program code loaded on the remote computer, the device access controller is intended to obtain a plurality of interface definitions based on the plurality of interface definition identifiers, in which the server (50 ) Access to the device is arranged to receive a request from the client's computer (22) and then ask the client's computer (22) for any security codes it may have, and to receive any security codes sent by the client's computer client (22), if the access server (50) to the device does not receive any security code, the access server (50) If the device provides a default interface or an interface that does not require any security code, if the security codes are received, the device access server (50) searches for security codes in a security database (70) , find which interfaces should be provided based on that security code, and then provide the interface or more interfaces indicated by the database (70) to the client's computer, the host computer (12) can then enter a state of giving service to requests received from the client's computer.

Description

Device interfaces to interconnect or Network a computer and an embedded device.

Technical field

This invention relates to software computer and, more particularly, to new systems and methods for provide access to embedded devices through a network of computers.

Prior art

In recent years there has been a large increase in the amount of computer technology that is involved in the daily life. In today's world, computer technology is involved in many aspects of a person's day. Many devices that are used today by consumers have a Small computer inside the device. These little ones Computers exist in varying sizes and degrees of sophistication. These small computers include everything from a microcontroller to a fully functional complete computer system. For example, these small computers can be a single chip computer, such as a microcontroller, a type of computer on board, such as a controller, a typical desktop computer, such as a IBM compatible type PC, etc.

The small computers, (which can be quite large computers depending on the particular need which is being satisfied by the computer), they almost always have one or more processors in the heart of the computer. The processor or processors are usually interconnected to different inputs and external outputs and work to manage the device particular. For example, a processor in a vending machine Automatic soda or soft drink can be connected to the buttons used to select the drink, when switch that allows a drink to fall to a user, and at lights that indicate that the machine has no more drinks than A particular variety.

Computer technology is involved in Many aspects of daily life. Many devices, devices, etc., include one or more small computers. For example, refrigerators, phones, typewriters, cars, automatic vending machines, and many different types of industrial equipment have all small computers, or processors, within them. The computer software makes run the processors of these computers and tells the processors what to do to perform certain tasks. For example, him  computer software that runs on a processor in a Automatic vending machine can cause a soda to fall to a user when the correct change has been introduced by a Username.

These types of small computers that are part of a device, device, tool, etc., are often denominated as embedded systems. The term "system embedded "usually refers to the hardware and software of the computer that is part of a larger system. Embedded systems they usually do not have typical input and output devices such as keyboard, mouse, and / or monitor. Usually in the heart of each Embedded system there are one or more processors.

Typically, embedded systems used today with different devices, devices, etc., they don't have much Storage capacity. As a result, the amount of data That can be stored in embedded systems is limited. With only a limited storage capacity, a system embedded may not have as many features and capabilities as I would have if I had more storage available.

Some embedded systems have been connected to computer networks to allow some communication between the embedded system and a larger computer system. But nevertheless, because embedded systems are often not equipped with the functionality to communicate effectively and efficiently with others computer systems, the communication capacity is usually limited In addition, the means to communicate with embedded systems they are often of a slower type of communication path and, consequently, only small amounts of data are made pass to and from embedded systems.

Due to restricted memory resources in embedded systems and due to the media typically limited, often only one interaction is available limited from a computer network with the embedded system. This interaction is often of limited use due to the difficulty in communicate with the different parts of the embedded system.

The article by Biget, P et al., "How many smart cards can benefit from technologies object-oriented "Generation Computer Systems Futures, Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam, NL, Vol. 13, No. 1, July 1997 (1997-07), pages 75-90 describes a system for communication between a client program and a smart card in which a Smart card service interface is obtained by the program from a description language repository of interface before communication with the smart card.

Robert Orfali, Dan Harkey, Jeri Edwards: "Instant CORBA" 1997, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, Canada, describes that in COBRA 3.0 an object must support a method of request interfaces that dynamically discover a client interfaces that an object supports.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides a system of communication according to claim 1.

The present invention provides a method according to claim 8.

In accordance with the accomplishments widely described here, a system for use in a system has been described of networked computers that includes a host computer and a remote computer that is used to access a device. He system includes a communications module to transfer data to and from a communications port of the host computer. The system also includes a data interface module for access an interface definition from a device storage in electronic communication with the computer host. Accessing the interface definition is achieved by using an interface definition identifier. A device access controller is also used in the system to communicate with the remote computer through the module of communications. The device access controller gets the interface definition identifier from the code of Computer program loaded on the remote computer. In addition, the device access controller accesses the device storage through the data interface module to get the interface definition and use the identifier of interface definition to get the interface definition. In the embodiments described herein, there may be a plurality of interface definition identifiers obtained from the Computer program code loaded on the remote computer.

A method implemented in accordance with the embodiments described herein may include the operations of establish electronic communications between the host computer and the remote sort, receive the definition identifier of interface and access the interface definition from the storage device that uses the identifier of interface definition. One method also includes the operations of provide the interface on the host computer to communicate with the remote computer and facilitate communications with the computer Remote through the interface.

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Brief description of the drawings

The above and other characteristics of the realizations will become more evident completely from the following description and appended claims, taken together With the attached drawings. Understanding that these drawings they represent only typical embodiments and, therefore, should not be considered limiting their framework, the achievements will be described with specificity and additional details by use of the attached drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the main hardware components included in the embodiments current;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the main hardware and software components included in the realizations;

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a group of all embedded devices and certain subgroups within the group that can be formed that include certain devices;

Fig. 4 is a table that illustrates that you can have one or many correspondences between an embedded device specific and the interfaces it supports;

Fig. 5 illustrates a remote computer of a realization and illustrates the items that can be included in the table of services and in the table of capacities;

Fig. 6 illustrates the host computer of a realization and illustrates software components or functionality that can be used on the host computer;

Fig. 7 illustrates definition identifiers of interface in a table of capabilities of an embodiment and its correlation with specific interface definitions on a basis of interface data;

Fig. 8 is a flow chart that illustrates operations that can be followed in the implementation of the current accomplishments;

Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating operations that can be followed in the implementation of software components on the host computer; Y

Fig. 10 is a flow chart illustrating operations that can be followed using a security code to provide the appropriate interface to an application of client.

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Detailed Description of the Invention

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, as described and generally illustrated in the figures could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. So, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method as depicted in figs. 1 to 10, is not intended for limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but that It is simply representative of embodiments of the invention.

Current accomplishments will be better included with reference to the drawings, in which parts similar are designated by similar numbers throughout they.

A system has been described for use in a networked computer system that includes a host computer and a remote computer that is used to access a device. The system includes a communications module to transfer data to and from a communications port on the host computer. The system also includes a data interface module for accessing an interface definition from a storage device in electronic communication with the host computer. Access to the interface definition is achieved through the use of an interface definition identifier. A device access controller is also used in the system to communicate with the remote computer through the communications module. The device access controller obtains the interface definition identifier from the computer program code loaded on the remote computer. In addition, the device access controller accesses the storage device through the data interface module to obtain the interface definition and uses the interface definition identifier to obtain the interface definition. In the embodiments contained herein, there may be a plurality of interface definition identifiers obtained from the computer program code loaded into the computer.
remote.

The interface definition can include information that refers to the computer program code. He computer program code, or application code in the remote computer, or a combination thereof, can Provide device related services. The computer remote can include a list of services that describes or is refers to certain devices. The list of services may include different types of information, including a list of functions, variables, types of data, events and files.

The system may also include a server access to the device to receive requests or requests from client computers to provide access to the remote computer and / or services (for example functions, variables, types of data, items and files) available on the remote computer.

A method implemented in accordance with embodiments described herein may include the operations of establishing electronic communications between the host computer and the remote computer, receiving the interface definition identifier and accessing the interface definition from the storage device using the identifier Interface definition. Another method includes the operations of providing the interface on the host computer to communicate with the remote computer and facilitate communications with the remote computer through the
Interface.

The method may also include the operation of receive a request from the customer's order to provide access to remote sorting. The interface can be provided to the client's computer. The method can also include receiving a request based on the interface from the client's computer, on which the request based on the interface on the client's computer through The use of the interface. A message can also be sent to remote computer from the host computer that refers to the interface based request. The remote computer can send device data back to host computer in response to the message sent to the remote computer.

Of course, it will be appreciated by experts in the technique that the method can be implemented in executable instructions stored in a readable medium by computer.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the main hardware components typically used in the embodiments. In the present embodiments, the systems and methods described herein are used in a network computer system 10 in which a host computer 12 is connected to an embedded device 14. Typically the embedded device 14 includes a computer 16 connected to input devices. and output 18, 20. Computer 16, in the current embodiments, is an embedded computer 16. Particularly, in current embodiments, computer 16 comprises a microcontroller (not shown). However, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the functions and treatment normally performed by a microcontroller could be carried out by larger processors, whether part of a larger controller or part of a computer system.
typical.

Embedded computer 16 is away from the host computer 12, because the embedded computer 16 and the host computer 12 are each computers capable of Run by themselves. The term remote does not mean necessarily that the embedded computer 16 is in a location different than host computer 12, although in many embodiments the host computer 12 is in a location different than the embedded computer 16. The terms computer embedded 16 and remote computer 16 can be used here so interchangeable. Items described as being stored and / or used by remote computer 16 could be stored and / or employees on host computer 12, in some circumstances.

Current systems and methods have a Wide application for many kinds of computer networks 10. Generally, computer system 10 includes one or more client computers to monitor and / or control the device embedded 14. Remote computer 16 is operatively connected to input and / or output devices 18, 20 capable of communication electronics with remote computer 16, or, in other words, to devices 18, 20 capable of introducing and / or issuing in the form of a Electrical signal. Sometimes the device or devices of input and output 18, 20 and remote computer 16 are both housed within the same physical structure.

The host computer 12 and the remote computer 16 are both widely defined digital computers. A computer, as used here, is any device that includes a digital processor capable of receiving and processing data. A computer includes the wide range of digital computers including microcontrollers, handheld computers, computers personnel, servers, central computers, supercomputers, and any variation or device related to them.

Input and output devices 18, 20 include any component, element, mechanism, apparatus, or similar capable of receiving and / or generating an electronic signal. Examples of devices within the framework of the term device include an automatic vending machine, a telephone, a deadbolt door, a temperature sensor, a motor, a switch, and a light.

In the current design, the host computer 12 it is typically a compatible IBM personal computer on which running Linux, Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000 or the operating system Microsoft Windows NT Remote computer 16 typically includes a embedded processor (not shown), and, as indicated, often It includes a microcontroller. The devices 18, 20 can be any device with electronic interfaces of which a processor could link and interact with it.

A possible element that can be used with embodiments described herein is an automatic vending machine (not shown). Many automatic vending machines include one or more microcontrollers to control different parts of the automatic vending machines. These microcontrollers fall within the framework of the remote computer 16. The devices of input and output 18, 20 include buttons to select items from the automatic vending machine, switches to allow the items to be delivered to the user, lights to indicate which items have gone out, the exchange release for release any changes, etc. As is known in the art, this Automatic vending machine realization includes the input and output devices 18, 20 and the computer u 16 remote computers integrated within the same structure. Current systems and methods, therefore, can be implanted in such an environment. Those skilled in the art will observe also that the remote computer 16 may be in a structure separated from the input and output devices 18, 20 joined. Many of the modern devices come with microcontrollers embedded, for example, many mobile phones, pagers and Similar come with embedded microcontrollers.

The host computer 12 may be connected to the remote computer 16 through a variety of connections, including RS 232, RS485, modem, power line, cable connection, wireless connection, etc. Similarly, the remote computer 16 can be connected to different input and output devices 18, 20 by a variety of modes. As indicated, the remote computer 16 typically comprises a microcontroller (not shown). Microcontrollers often have input / output ports to communicate with external devices. The specifications of the particular microcontroller often dictate how a device is connected to the microcontroller. Those skilled in the art appreciate how different devices can be connected to computers, be they embedded computers, standard desktops, central computers,
etc.

As indicated, client computers 22 are included within the computer system 10. Such configuration allows users to access services in the remote computer 14 via host computer 12, even to long distances. The host computer 12 and the computers of client 22 can all be connected together in a network 24 of computers, such as a LAN, WAN, etc. In addition, the computer client 22 can connect from a remote position to the computer host 12 via a telephone network connection, via a intranet, or via the Internet.

Fig. 2 represents a block diagram of most of the hardware and software components of the Current achievements. As shown, the elements of hardware of fig. 2 are correlated with those in fig. one. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of modes. to interconnect the different hardware components, and that there are different configurations in which one or more of the elements of hardware can be removed by moving the functionality of a Hardware item to another.

Current embodiments allow a user monitor and / or control services provided by the embedded computer 16 through a host computer 12. The Embedded computer services 16 are exposed by the realizations in such a way that they can be accessed from the network of 10 computers and in an efficient way.

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In the current embodiments, the data from the input and / or output devices 18, 20 is read on and / or written out through the input / output ports 26. An embedded application program 28 includes the executable instructions that They link directly to these input and / or output ports 26. Usually embedded applications 28 have a main loop that is repeated over and over again. Of course, embedded application programmers can write an application that does not have a main loop that is repeated continuously through it. The principles here could be applied to those applications that do not have a main loop and provide substantially the same benefits that are achieved in today's
realizations

The basic information about the computer embedded or remote 16, its features and capabilities are useful in the implementation of the embodiments described herein. Such Basic information can be stored on the remote computer 16 in a capacity table 30. The capacity table 30 can be stored as a file, or it can be stored as data static that are compiled with application 28, or it can be stored in an external storage device (not shown) to the remote computer 16. Those skilled in the art will realize that there are several ways to store basic capabilities of a remote computer and its input and / or output devices 18, 20 connected. Table 1 contains a pseudo-code that illustrates what types of information can be stored in the table of capacities 30.

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TABLE 1

one

As illustrated in Table 1, the table of capabilities may include an indication of what definitions of Interface (1A) supports the remote computer. The definition field interface (1A) and its use will be described more fully here. The capacity table can also indicate the type of order of bytes shown on line (1B). This type of byte order (1B) can indicate if the remote or embedded computer 16 is endian big or small The table may also indicate that the Device ID, shown on line (1C), is for that particular remote or embedded computer 16. The address of the device, shown on the line (1D), if any, can also be stored in the capacity table 30.

For compatibility purposes, the numbers of version, shown on line (1E), for the software that is used They can also be stored. Similarly the numbers of communication protocol version, shown on line (1F), They can also be stored. Particularities about the Communication can also be stored. For example, how do you has shown in Table 1, the maximum package size of Communication, shown on the line (1G), can be stored.

A non-volatile storage indicator shown on line (1H) can indicate if there is no storage volatile accessible by remote computer 16. Information relevant about nonvolatile storage can also be stored, such as the size of nonvolatile storage and its start address, shown on line (1I). An indicator of static file system, shown on line (1J), can indicate if there is a static file system. Similarly, a dynamic file system indicator, shown on the line (1K), can indicate if there is dynamic file system.

Capacity table 30 is useful because the software on host computer 12 can request the table of capabilities 30 and establish the characteristics and capabilities of the embedded computer 16. However, as will be explained in a manner more complete here, the supported interface field (1A) in combination with the systems and methods described here may obviate the need to transfer the complete capacity table 30 to host computer 12 or transfer the equivalent information from the table of capacities to the host computer.

The users, through the execution of the software on client computer 22 and / or host computer  12, may wish to access certain services provided by the remote embedded computer 16. Services include different functions, variables, events, and / or file. For example, the Users may wish to execute particular functions, access certain variables, check specific events, or access specific files In the current design, the services to which A user may need to access are identified and listed. The service identification also includes information about certain services This identification of certain services may Be achieved in several ways. For example, in the current design, a table 32 of services can be stored in the computer remote 16. The service table 32 can be stored as a file, or it can be stored as static data that is compiled with the application, or it can be stored in a storage device (not shown) external to the computer remote 16. Those skilled in the art will realize that there are different ways of storing basic information about certain services provided by application code 28 that runs on the embedded computer 16. Table 2 contains a pseudo-code that illustrates what types of information they can be stored in service table 32.

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TABLE 2

2

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As illustrated in Table 2, the table of services 32 may include information such as name or service identification, the type of service (for example, if it is a function, variable, event, file, etc.), the type of parameter of entry, if any, the type of return, if any, and the address from service. Information about the FunctionA function, shown on line (2A), it is illustrated indicating that it is a function, take a word as an input parameter, does not return nothing (empty), and its address is indicated in & FunctionA. The line (2B) illustrates information about another function, FunctionB. The relevant information about variables is illustrated in the lines (2C) - (2D). The information about events is illustrated in the lines (2E) - (2F). Events can be any type of data. For example, an event could be a variable, a record particular, an interruption, etc. The events can be particularly useful for items that occur in a way asynchronous Examples of asynchronous event types include a alarm that goes off or an external LED that changes. Information about certain files is illustrated in lines (2G) and (2H).

Storing information about certain services on the remote computer 16, the software on the host computer 12 You can easily set what services are available in the remote computer 16. Usually application code 28 defines services. The service table 32 works to provide information about certain services, where the information would be useful for a user on host computer 12, or for a user on the client computer 22 connected to it.

In the current design, an interface module 34 embedded provides access between services on the computer remote 16 and the software running on the host computer 12. In the embodiments described herein, the interface module34 uses the information in the service table 32 to access the service desired on the remote computer 16. Also, in the embodiment currently preferred, the interface module 34 is a code that re-enter

The interface module 34 communicates through a embedded communications port 36. In the current design, a communication module 38 provides communication using the port of communications 36. A person skilled in the art will appreciate, without However, that the interface module 34 may include the code necessary to link directly to the communication port 36 on the remote computer 16. Communications module 38 or code 38 provides access to communications port 36, and ensures that the data is given to communications port 36 in pieces properly sized and formatted, and that the data received from communications port 36 are correctly read from port 36.

The host computer 12 includes a port of 40 communication in electronic communication with the port of communications 36 of the remote computer 16. As described before, there are a variety of such ports available with computers that are capable of linking to a computer port remote and / or embedded 36. A communication module 42 provides characteristics similar to those provided by the module communications 38 of the remote computer 16. The module communications 42 correctly formats data that is written in the communications port 40 and read from it.

Host computer 12 provides access to the services provided on the embedded computer 16. In the current embodiments, a part of the capacity chart 30, the Supported interface information is retrieved from the embedded computer 16 and from it a list of services is created in the host computer 12 corresponding substantially to the service table 32. The list of services on the computer host 12 is named in fig. 2 as information of services 44. Services information 44 indicates which services are available on remote computer 16 and what types of data, if there are, they are used with individual services. This facilitates the access via host computer 12 to the remote computer or embedded 16.

In the current design, a process is initially launched on host computer 12 which causes it to be created the service information 44. The access controller 46 the device provides this initial address, in the design current.

As indicated, embodiments may provide access to the services of the embedded computer 16 to the client computers 22 that are in electronic communication with the host computer 12. To facilitate access by client computers 22, host computer 12 may include servers A network server 48 can be launched in the host computer 12. Network server 48 can provide a network interface to the services on the remote computer 16. By For example, the data and / or services of the remote computer 16 may be Graphically represented by HTML pages. Thus, the device access controller 46, you can create web pages (not shown) from the services available on the computer remote 16, and network server 48 can request the HTTP service for these web pages.

A device access server 50 may also be included in host computer 12 to request to the service client for services on the remote computer 16. In the current design, the device access server 50 accesses service information 44 and makes this information available for customers on client computers 22.

A client computer 22 may include a client application 52 and a client 54 access to the device. The device access client 54 communicates with the server 50 access to the device to access computer services remote 16. Client application 52 can use client 54 of access to the device to obtain information about services. Client application 52 could also access data from network server 48 located on the host computer 12. For example, client application 52 may be a browser network capable of connecting to network server 48.

With reference to fig. 3, a set of interface definitions can be created to effectively communicate what services are available on the remote computer 16 in an effective manner. Shown in fig. 3 is the embedded device space 56 illustrating a cluster 56 for all embedded devices available for use. This embedded device space 56 may be divided into separate groupings 58. For example, a grouping 58a of type A device may be formed, as well as a grouping 58b of a type B device and a grouping 58c of a type C device. Clusters 58 can group together certain devices into logical groups where the members in each group have at least one or more similar characteristics. For example, grouping 58a of type A device may be for automatic vending machine devices. Other exemplary groupings include mobile phones, refrigerators, temperature controllers, copiers,
etc.

Within each cluster 58 may be specific interface definitions 60 for different types of remote computers 16. Each interface definition 60 defines a specific set of functions, variables, events, files, behaviors, states and other information that are supported by any computer. remote 16 which is conserved to itself as satisfying that particular interface definition 60. Accordingly, when an embedded engineer is designing an embedded system that includes a remote computer 16, if you wish to use the benefits of the embodiments described herein, you can select an appropriate interface definition 60 to support and then design and implement the system accordingly. In addition, if there is no acceptable interface definition 60, the engineer can define a new interface definition 60, publish it to those who can benefit from its use and / or knowledge, and then design and implement the resulting system.
mind.

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Different interface definitions 60 are represented in fig. 3 as A1, A2, A3, etc. The experts in the technique will observe that there is a wide variety of ways to define features of a remote computer 16 or embedded device. Table 3 contains the pseudo-code that illustrates what types of information can be defined and included in a interface definition 60.

TABLE 3

4

As illustrated in Table 3, a interface definition can include information such as name or service identification, the type of service (for example, if it is a function, variable, event, file, etc.), the type of input parameter, if any, the type of return, if any, and the service address Information about the function FunctionA, shown on line (3A), is illustrated indicating that it is a function, it has a word as an input parameter, not returns nothing (empty), and its address is indicated in & FunctionA. Line (3B) illustrates information about another FunctionB function. Relevant information about the Variables is illustrated in lines (3C) - (3D).

The information about events is illustrated in the lines (3E) - (3F). Events can be any type of data. For example, an event could be a variable, a record particular, an interruption, etc. The events can be particularly useful for elements that occur asynchronously. Examples of types of asynchronous events include an alarm that is turn off or an external LED that changes.

Information about certain files is illustrated on lines (3G) and (3H). The status information (3I) It may also be included. The status information (3I) can include information that defines what different states may be remote computer 16, defining any information remote computer status machines 16 etc. The information of behavior (3J) can indicate how the computer will react remote 16 and will behave given to a certain set of inputs, outputs and / or states. Of course, other definition information (3K) can also be included, as experts in the technique.

Fig. 4 is a table that illustrates that you can have one or many correspondences between an embedded device specific and the interfaces it supports, or the definitions of interface that follow. The Alpha device of fig. 4 supports the definition 60 of interface A1 of fig. 3. The Beta device supports more than one interface definition 60; Supports C3 and C6. The fig. 4 illustrates what other specific embedded devices can Support one or more interface definitions 60.

Fig. 5 illustrates remote computer 16 of a realization and illustrates the elements that can be included in the service table 32 and capacity table 30. As has been described in relation to Table 2, the service table 32 can include information about functions 32a, variables 32b, events 32c and / or 32d files of the remote computer 16. The table of capabilities 30 may include data comprising identifications 30th interface for remote computer 16. As shown in fig. 4, a remote computer 16 may include one or more interface definition identifiers. These identifiers of interface definition can be a number, a string or any another piece of data capable of being used as a way of identifying A particular interface definition. Through the use of current embodiments, a host computer 12 can set a lot about a particular remote computer 16 just getting its 30th interface IDs without having to get all the definition information from the computer itself remote 16. This can be useful because in some environments, 16 remote computers do not have the communication capability necessary to send large amount of information to another computer. Capacity table 30 may include other information on 30b configuration when necessary.

Fig. 6 illustrates host computer 12 of an embodiment and illustrates software components or functionality which can be used on the host computer 12. The computer host 12 may include an interface database 62 internal This internal interface database 62 may contain a number of interface definitions 60 indexed by identifiers 64 interface definition. Consequently, when the device access controller 46 obtains an identifier 64 interface definition of remote computer 16, you can access the internal interface database 62 through an interface 66 database to access and retrieve the definition or 60 definitions of particular interface supported by the computer remote 16. Thus, host computer 12 can obtain information which defines remote computer 16 without having to receive the all such information from the remote computer 16.

In addition to the interface database 62 internal, there may be an external interface database 68. The External interface database 68 can be accessed when the database interface 66 cannot find the definition or particular interface definitions 60 in database 62 of internal interface The external interface database 68 can be located in a computer network to which the host computer 12. In addition, the interface database 68 External can be accessible via Internet, telephone connection, through an intranet, etc. The access controller 46 to device can periodically update database 62 of internal interface with updates from database 68 of external interface

The realizations collected here may also implement security measures by using different 60 interface definitions for a specific device. By For example, there may be a number of services available in a remote computer 16 that should only be accessed by a entity that contains the appropriate authority. One more example Specific to this is an automatic vending machine. A Automatic vending machine may have certain functions that they should only be accessed by an authorized entity, such such as the ability to change prices or certain items, drop certain items without paying or blocking certain items so that they cannot be purchased. A interface definition 60 can provide access to these Administrative functions. However, others who access the automatic vending machine would not typically have access to These administrative functions. Therefore, a machine Automatic vending machine can support a number of interfaces that includes an admin interface and a non-interface administrator. In the embodiments described herein, the computer Remote 16 of the automatic vending machine can include interface definition identifiers 64 for both interfaces. In the embodiments contained herein, it may be the task of the host computer 12 provide the appropriate interface to any of the client applications 52 based on the proper authorization.

To provide the appropriate interface to any client applications 52 based on authorization appropriate, the device access controller 46 can access to a security database 70 through a module 72 of security interface The security database 70 can contain information to validate client applications appropriate 52 or to search an index (not shown) on the basis of  security data 70 what particular interface should it be provided to certain client applications 52. The names of User and passwords can be stored in the database of security 70 to validate an appropriate authorization. In addition, a index (shown) of possible client applications 52 can be stored along with a list (not shown) of the interfaces that they should be provided to such client applications 52. Of course, an external security database 74 can be used and accessed, as will be appreciated by experts in the technique. For example, the device access controller 46 you can access an external security database 74 on a computer network (eg Internet, an intranet, a LAN, etc.) for security purposes. Fig. 10 illustrates operations which can be followed by providing the appropriate interfaces to client applications 52.

Fig. 7 illustrates how they can be used interface definition identifiers 64 in the table of 30 capabilities of a remote computer 16 to identify specific interface definitions 60 in a database of interfaces 62. The interfaces database 62 and definitions interface 60 may include the types of information described here, as well as any additional information that may be useful to Those skilled in the art. For example, definitions 60 of interface can include information as described in relation to Table 3, such as information describing the functions, variables, events, files, behavior, states, and any other information about remote computer 16 and / or the embedded system that those skilled in the art see fit for include in interface definition 60.

Information 44 of services created from of interface definition 60 can be an implementation of the object so the service information 44 is encapsulated The users of the embodiments can encapsulate the information 44 of remote computer services using a software object on the host computer 12. The object (not shown) can provide an object representation of the less part of the remote sorting system 14, in which the system Remote computer 14 includes both remote computer 16 and its connected devices 18, 20. Part of the object can be used mainly to access the services provided by the remote computer 16. Implementing an object on the computer host 12, there are planned programmers with many benefits of Object-oriented analysis and design without using resources from valid memory on remote computer 16 to provide these Benefits. In the common design, only items needed for the storage in the remote computer 16 are stored in the remote computer 16. Of course, it will be appreciated by experts in the technique that, if remote computer 16 had had access to a substantial amount of memory, many more articles could be stored on the remote computer 16.

An object is a description of a structure of data. An object, as used here, is a type of data abstracts that encapsulates data and / or functions. Consequently a skilled in the art could implement a structure of data equivalent to an object, without using oriented features for the purpose of certain programming languages. Specifically, a object as used here does not require programmers to software use object-oriented languages such as C ++ or Smalltalk An object within the framework of the present invention to be able be implemented in any programming language. By For example, an object can be implemented in C, C ++, Pascal, FORTRAN, assembly language, etc. In common design, it is being used the programming language C.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart that shows operations that can be followed in the implementation of the current systems and methods. Simply, the programmers who wish to use and benefit from the described embodiments are designing an embedded system that includes a remote computer 16 that it will probably be linked to a host computer 12. The remote computer 16 communicates with external devices 18, 20 for inputs and outputs. Programmers are typically also designing an embedded application 28 that receives and processes inputs 18 of the device and generates outputs 20. One way to benefit from The systems and methods contained here are shown in fig. 8. Before actually designing and implementing a design for a application 28 embedded from remote computer, a programmer can identify in 76 one or more available 60 interface definitions They are suitable for your situation. For example, if one were designing an embedded system for a phone, it would identify appropriate interface definitions 60 of a category from telephone, from a category of communications device, from a category of cell phone or mobile phone, or from any other appropriate category of interface definitions 60.

After the interface definitions 60 have been identified in 76, the programmer designs in 78 and puts in practice the embedded application to meet the specification of Interface definition 60. The programmer should make sure that any functions, variables, events, files, states, behaviors and similar defined in the definition or definitions 60 interface will be found in the designed application of new. The programmer places in 80 the identifiers 64 of interface definition within the code to be placed in the remote computer 16 such that the interface or interfaces Supported by the device can be easily identified by identifiers 64 without the need to send a description Complete to host computer 12.

After the device has been designed and Proven, it can be moved in 82 to production or use. Other computer may be connected at 84 to remote computer 16 to monitor, Control or other uses. The host computer 12 can then request and get in 86 from any remote computer 16 any interface definition identifiers 64. After what any interface definition identifiers 64 are passed to host computer 12, host computer 12 you can search in 88 that in a database of interfaces 62, 68 the 60 definition of particular interface. Once obtained from the database, host computer 12 can access 90 to the embedded device services according to the specification provided by the definition or definitions of Interface.

As shown in figs. 2 and 5, a Separate embedded interface module 34 can be written. This embedded interface module 34 can be written so that respond to different requests that may be received from the software on the host computer 12. Creating a module 34 of separate interface, the embedded application of 28 can keep the focus on remote computer services 16. In common design, the embedded application 28 is typically modified to make a function call to interface module 34 embedded within its main operation loop to provide time to respond to requests or requests from the host computer 12. Embedded interface module 34 performs some treatment, and then then back to the operation or operation loop principal. Interface module 34 should return control to the main operation loop after a period of time what quite short so that the main operation loop is not wrong in any event and / or treatment necessary.

In a preferred alternative embodiment, the embedded interface module 34 could be called by a routine of interruption service that is called periodically.

Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating two embodiments that can be followed in the implementation of software components on the host computer 12. From then, different operations could be carried out to Get the current accomplishments. The operations of fig. 9 are illustrative of the principles of systems and methods current and that does not mean that they are limiting the breadth of The principles taught here. To start the operation of software on host computer 12, a user can put in 92 the device access controller 46 is running on 92. He Device access controller 46, in common design, includes communication module 42 to communicate with the remote computer 16.

In the current design, the access controller 46 to the device it replenishes in 94 the interface module 34 embedded in a known state This includes replenishing any variables of status, data, etc. In current embodiments, module 34 of embedded interface knows the reset by sending a recognition of new to device access controller 46.

The access controller 46 also requests in 96 interface definition identifiers 64 from the remote computer 16. By definition identifiers 64 interface, the software that runs on the host computer 12 may be aware of what capabilities the computer has remote 16. Host computer 12 then recovers at 98 or Search 98 for any interface definitions identified through the use of identifiers. Getting the definition or interface definitions, the software on the host computer 12 is able to create and maintain 44 services information about particular services on the remote computer 16. The computer host 12 can then present this information to a user on host computer 12, or to a client software that Request such information.

As explained before, the realizations current can be implemented using targeted techniques to the object If a user wishes to use object-oriented techniques, A device interface object can be created in 100. This device object can encapsulate all or part of the information retrieved from the definition of Interface.

Any servers to be used in host computer 12 to service requests coming from customers 22 need to be launched. By example, a network server 48 could be launched in 102 to service requests from browsers in client computers 22. In addition, or as an alternative, a server 50 access to the device could be launched at 104 to provide access to information about remote computer 16 and also to provide access to the remote computer 16. As has been shown in fig. 2, a client application 52 and / or a client 54 with access to the device can be launched in the client computers 22. Once the software is being executed on host computer 12, acts to service 106 to the requests you receive. The software will continue typically serving 106 requests until the software stop running at 108.

Unless a client application 52 is already connoisseur of services on remote computer 16, the application 52 first requests a list of services available. The server, well the network server 48, the server 50 access to a device, or similar server, receives the request and retrieve service information. Depending on whether the particular implementation of the current achievements is using an object oriented approach, the server could or retrieve service information directly from the service information 44, or from a designed function and implementation to return such information, or from an object of device.

The server then sends the information of customer services 52. Once the customer knows what services  are available on remote computer 16, you can request certain data and / or actions related to services. The client You can request a specific variable value. A user, through of a client software 52, you can request a value of one variable specified from remote computer 16 to know the status of events or data on the remote computer 16. For example, remote computer 16 can be in electronic communication with a temperature sensor, and can store sensor data from temperatures in a variable. A user may wish to know what value has the variable to know what temperature is being detected on the remote computer 16.

The server receives the request for a value particular and can request the variable from the object of the appropriate device, or from equivalent software functionally The access controller, upon receiving this request, send a message to the embedded interface module 34 that Request this value. The hardware communication path and software between the host computer and the remote computer can be as shown and described in relation to fig. 2.

At the next call for treatment, the embedded interface module 34 receives the message and accesses the variable and read the value contained in it. After recovering the value of the variable, the embedded interface module 34 sends the value back to the object through the communication path. A Once the object has received the value, it returns the value to the server. The server then responds to the request of the client and sends the value of the variable to the software of the client.

As described in relation to fig. 6, the current embodiments described herein may be implemented security schemes to provide appropriate access to remote computers 16. Fig. 10 is a flow chart that illustrates operations that can be followed using a code of security to provide the appropriate interface to an application Customer In this embodiment, a client application 52 can send in 110 a request to host computer 12 for access to device. The device access server 50 can receive the request in 112 and then ask the client application whatever security codes you can to have. Client application 52 can then send in 114 any security codes you may have.

If client application 52 does not send any security code, the device access server 50 can provide 116 by default interface or interface that does not Requires no security code. If codes were sent from security, the device access server can search for codes in security database 70, find what interfaces should be provided based on that code, and to then provide in 118 the interface or interfaces indicated through database 70 to client application 52. The computer host 12 can then enter a state of service in a requests received by any client applications 52

A software commercially available from EmWare, Inc., is used in the implementation of current embodiments. The emWare Inc. company can be contacted through its network address at www.emWare.com . One skilled in the art will appreciate how commercially available software articles in emWare can be used with current embodiments. The following is a general and basic description of emWare technology that is used in current embodiments.

EmWare's business is centered around microcontrollers that manage many electronic devices used in today's world, including phones, appliances, office equipment, ATM, security systems, VCR, cars, etc. These microcontrollers are embedded in millions of smart electronic devices.

emWare has developed technology and software that Provide device control based on distributed network. He emWare Embedded Micro Internetworking Technology (EMIT) software It is designed to move most software out of embedded microcontroller and distribute it to more capable computers over a network EMIT has also been developed to help Improve existing Internet technologies.

The use of EMIT software implies different components that include the following: the embedded application of client 28, the emMicro software (which correlates with the module 34 embedded interface), the emGateway software, the emNet software (which correlates with communication modules 38 and 42), and the 52 application monitoring / customer control. Typically, potential emWare customers already have environments embedded in the who plan to deploy emWare EMIT software to improve their surveillance and control capabilities. These embedded environments typically include the embedded system 14, the host computer 12, and client computers 22.

emMicro is used in current embodiments on remote computer 16 to transmit information from service from remote computer 16 to host computer 12. The service information is information about the functions, variables, events and files of the embedded application 28 that Run on remote computer 16.

Communications between the host computer 12 and remote computer 16 running emMicro are usually achieved through a light network such as RS232, RS484, RF or IR. The emNet component is responsible for handling communications Between emMicro and the software on the host computer 12.

From the above description, it you will appreciate that current accomplishments provide access to a embedded system and the services available in the embedded system from a computer in electronic communication with the embedded system

The described embodiments can be put in practice in other specific ways without leaving your spirit or essential features The described embodiments must be considered in all aspects only as illustrative, and not restrictive The framework of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the attached claims, instead of by the above description. All changes that occur within the meaning and equivalence range of the claims must be within its scope.

Claims (15)

1. A communication system to use in a network computer system (10) including a computer client (22), a host computer (12) and a remote computer (14), the remote computer being used to access a device (16), the system being implemented in the host computer (12) and allowing a user of the computer client access services on the remote computer (14) through of the host computer (12), and comprising the system:

quad

a communications module (42) to transfer data to and from a communications port (40) of the computer host;

quad

a data interface module (66) to access an interface definition from a storage device (62, 68) in electronic communication with the host computer, the storage device containing a plurality of interface definitions (60) indexed by identifiers of interface definition (64), in which access is achieved by using a definition identifier of Interface;

quad

a device access controller (46) for communicate with the remote computer through the module communications, operating the device access controller to get from the code of the loaded computer program on the remote computer the interface definition identifier, operating the device access controller to access the storage device through the interface module data using the device access controller the interface definition identifier to access the interface definition; Y

quad

a server (50) accessing the device to give service to the client's computer requests (22) to remote computer services (14),

in which the access controller to the device is intended to have a plurality of interface definition identifiers from the code of Computer program loaded on the remote computer, the controller  of access to the device is provided to obtain a plurality of interface definitions based on the plurality of interface definition identifiers, in which the server (50) access to the device is willing to receive a request from the client's computer (22) and then ask the client's computer (22) for any codes of security you may have, and to receive any codes of security sent by the client's computer (22), if the server (50) access to the device does not receive any security code, the device access server (50) provides an interface for defects or an interface that does not require any code security, if security codes are received, the server (50) access to the device searches for security codes in a database of security data (70), find which interfaces should be provided based on that security code, and then provides the interface or more interfaces indicated by the base of data (70) to the client's computer, the host computer (12) you can then enter a state of service requests received from the computer of the client. 2. The communication system according to the claim 1, wherein the interface definition comprises information related to the program code of the computer. 3. The communication system according to the claim 1, wherein the remote computer comprises the code of application, providing the application code services related to the device. 4. The communication system according to the claim 3, wherein the remote computer further comprises a  list of services (32) on the remote computer, comprising the List information about certain services. 5. The communication system according to the claim 4, wherein the system further comprises a enumeration of services, the enumeration of services being a subset of services. 6. The communication system according to the claim 4, wherein the information in the list is selected from the group consisting of functions, variables, types of data, events and files. 7. The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising an access server (50) to the device running the device access server to receive a request from a client computer (22) to Provide access to the remote computer. 8. A method to allow a user a client computer (22) access services on a computer remote (14) through a host computer (12), comprising said method communications between a host computer (12) and a remote computer (14) where the remote computer links to a device (16), wherein said communications between said host computer (12) and said remote computer (14) of said method comprise:

quad

establish electronic communications between the host computer and remote computer;

quad

receive a plurality of identifiers (64) of interface definition from the computer program code in the remote computer;

quad

get a plurality of interface definitions based on the plurality of definition identifiers of Interface;

quad

access an interface definition from a storage device (62, 68) in electronic communication with the host computer, containing the device storage a plurality of interface definitions (60) indexed by interface definition identifiers (64), in which access is achieved by using the identifier of interface definition;

quad

receive a request from a client computer (22) and ask the client's computer (22) for any security codes you may have and receive any codes of security sent by the client's computer (22) in the that:

quad

if no security codes have been received, provide a default interface or an interface that does not require  no security code, or if runs have been received from security, search codes in the security database for find which interfaces should be provided and provide the interface or more interfaces indicated by the database (70) to customer computer (22); enter a request status for services received from the client computer;

facilitate communications with the remote computer through the interface in which the facilitated communications are Refer to the device. 9. The method according to claim 8, in the that the interface definition includes information related to Computer program code. 10. The method according to claim 9, which It also includes the operation of receiving a request from a client computer (22) to provide access to the computer remote. 11. The method according to claim 10, which It also includes the operation of providing the interface to the Customer's computer 12. The method according to claim 11, which It also includes the operation of receiving a request based on interface from the client's computer, on which the request based in interface it was created on the client's computer by using of the interface. 13. The method according to claim 12, which It also includes the operation of sending a message to the computer remote from the host computer, in which the message refers to the interface based request. 14. The method according to claim 13, which It also includes the operation of receiving data from the device from the remote computer in response to the message sent to remote computer 15. A computer program that comprises means of code that, when executed in a system of computer, instruct the computer system to perform the operations of the method of any of claims 8 to 14.